The Florida International Panthers and the Liberty Flames meet Saturday in college football action from Williams Stadium in Lynchburg. Here’s a Liberty vs FIU prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Liberty vs FIU pick.
FIU Panthers Betting Preview
The Panthers went just 1-2 to start out the season, falling to South Florida and Florida Atlantic alongside a win over Buffalo. After wins over Long Island U and New Mexico State, Florida International has since fallen to Jacksonville State and Middle Tennessee in their last pair. Over seven games that gives the Panthers a 3-4 record overall.
In the Middle Tennessee game back on October 20, the Panthers scored early then got blanked until late in the third quarter. Florida International posted a couple of touchdowns the rest of the way but eventually lost 26-23. QB JJ Kohl was 15-of-28 for 179 yards, three scores and a pick. Devonte Lyons carried 19 times for 115 yards as well.
Liberty Flames Betting Preview
Over on the Liberty side, they lost their opener versus James Madison but it’s been smooth sailing since then. The Flames have beaten Gardner-Webb, Ball State, Costal Carolina, Delaware, Sam Houston and Kennesaw State in the last six games. That gives Liberty a nice 6-1 overall record so far through seven outings.
In the Kennesaw State matchup last Thursday, the Flames bagged a couple of first-quarter touchdowns and entered the break with a 14-3 edge. Liberty kept it going in the second half and eventually pulled away for a blowout road win 34-6 in the end. QB Deshawn Purdie was 10-of-19 for 176 yards and a touchdown during the victory.
Florida International Panthers @ Liberty Flames Betting Trends: Week 9
Liberty Flames Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, Makai Jackson ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for Yards Per Reception (23.5) this season.
Florida International Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, Robert Czeremcha leads the Conference USA for field goals made (12) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Liberty ranks 1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (2.4).
- Liberty ranks 2nd among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (4.4).
- Florida International ranks T6th among FBS teams for 1st downs against this season (106).
- Florida International ranks 8th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (3.0).
Liberty vs FIU Prediction
I’ll stick with Liberty. The Flames didn’t have too may issues with a struggling Kennesaw State team in their last outing, notching 21 first downs, 402 total yards and 215 rush yards with 37:05 in time of possession. It was a sloppy game though, as Liberty accounted for 12 penalties that resulted in 85 yards. Still, it’s been a nice six-game win streak with 30 or more points in five straight.
As for FIU, they could only find 15 first downs and 179 pass yards in their three-point loss to Middle Tennessee. The defense gave up 20 first downs and 448 yards on the other side, which included 248 yards on the ground. The Panthers are still scoring pretty well though: they’ve got 20 or more points in four straight (a 2-2 run).